For hurling supporters heading to the Aer Lingus International Hurling Festival this week in County Galway, you might like to take in the following in the evening …
‘Hurling USA’ … Talk in Loughrea on growth of Hurling in America
The growth of hurling amongst Americans will be the topic of conversation on Thursday Sept 19, 2013 at 9pm in the De Dannan 2 Room at the Lough Rea Spa Hotel, and on Friday Sept 20, at 8.30pm in Loughrea Library when freelance journalist, podcaster, and former U.S. migrant, Denis O’Brien, talks about hurling’s rise stateside in discussing his book, ‘Hurling USA: America discovers an ancient Irish sport.’
First published as an eBook in June, 2012 and print that December, ‘Hurling USA’ tells how hurling is spreading to American towns and cities that until recently never knew the sport existed. In his talk the author will examine why the sport is hooking Americans young and old. He will also explore why some clubs are trailblazers yet others are in decline.
Mr. O’Brien will also address what the sport’s growing presence could mean for the GAA and for Americans. The author will also do a reading and his book will be available for sale on the night.
About the Author
Denis O’Brien, a Kilkenny native, is a Freelance Journalist based in County Leitrim. He is writer, producer and publisher of the podcast, GaelicSportsCast.
GaelicSportsCast reports on Gaelic Sports news around the globe via daily and weekly podcasts as well as written reports.
Mr. O’Brien is a former emigrant himself as he spent almost 20 years in America, where he lived in New York and more recently in Boston.
Since returning to Ireland, he has worked as a Freelance Reporter and later as a Staff Reporter for the former Leitrim Post newspaper.
While in America Mr. O’Brien reported Gaelic Sports news from Boston with weekly blog and local newspapers publications.
He has written for the Boston Irish Reporter, the New York Irish Examiner, and contributed to the Irish Examiner, Leitrim Observer, Anglo Celt, The Sligo Champion, Sligo Weekender, Donegal News, Westmeath Examiner, Shannonside Radio and Ocean FM Radio.

